Proposed Name Change for SLA Boston

The chapter has a decision to make about our name

After our Centennial in 2010, the SLA Boston board voted to propose a chapter name change from SLA Boston to SLA New England (SLA NE) in 2011. This name change requires a vote by chapter membership at/before our annual business meeting.

Why do we want to change our name?

SLA Boston supports members throughout New England through outreach and planning programs. In 2010, we planned events around the region and held programs or dine arounds in Western Mass, New Hampshire and Maine.  

We hope that this name change will better reflect our support of SLA members who live or work in Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Western Massachusetts in addition to Boston. We also strongly hope that this name change will encourage SLA members across New England to help plan programs and participate on the chapter board. Monthly board meetings are open to everyone and, except in rare occasions, have a conference call to dial-in. We need active participation from people in different geographic region to provide quality programming and build local communities.

What is the official process?

First, our chapter bylaws will be revised to reflect the proposed name change and sent to the SLA Bylaws Committee for review, comments and approval.  If approved, the Executive Committee of the chapter then votes to approve the bylaws. The chapter board presents the bylaws to the chapter membership.  The chapter votes to accept the revised bylaws in December 2011 at our Annual Business Meeting, date to be announced; we will offer an electronic voting option for those unable to attend the business meeting. A two-thirds majority is needed to accept the new bylaws. After approval, the bylaws are signed by the chapter president and copies are sent to HQ for additional signatures. The name change would then be official.

What about SLA Rhode Island and Fairfield County Connecticut chapters?

The Rhode Island and Fairfield County Connecticut chapters remain independent SLA units. As good neighbors, we want to connect with Rhode Island and Fairfield County to promote their activities and work together to provide programming and services to all SLA members.

What do you think?

Do you like the proposed name? Have concerns, comments or questions?

There are several ways to get us your feedback:

• Comment on this blog post
• Add a comment on the chapter wiki here:  http://wiki.sla.org/display/SLABOS/Name+Change+Discussion
• Start a discussion on LinkedIn or Facebook
• Send an email directly to a board member
• Provide anonymous comments here:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SLABostonproposednamechange

Comments

[Roger Magnus]

Sounds like a good plan as the name change will reflect the regional focus of the chapter. I hope the membership approves this proposal.

[Khalilah Gambrell]

I support the proposed name change. It really outlines the true composition of this chapter's membership and our outreach efforts.